---
title: "Joseph A. Evans | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/joseph-a-evans-judge-pierce-county-superior-court-2697-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Joseph A. Evans

Pierce County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pierce County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### photography recording

Scope: statewide

Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.

Evidence excerpt: Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judge

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### limitations on recording

Scope: statewide

If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.

Evidence excerpt: Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumption

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=2697&orgid=558)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=2697&orgid=558)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=2697&orgid=558)
- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Beyond his courtroom duties, Judge Evans has been actively involved in criminal justice reform
- Judge Joseph Evans was appointed to the Pierce County Superior Court by Governor Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy in Department 16, officially taking over in early November following the retirement of Judge Elizabeth Martin
- Judge Evans’ career demonstrates a combination of legal proficiency, leadership in juvenile law, and active engagement in reform initiatives, making him a prominent figure in Pierce County’s judicial system
- He held the role of Program Manager for the Pierce County Executive’s Criminal Justice Reform Work Group

### Education

- Seattle University School of Law and completed undergraduate studies at the University of Washington-Tacoma — J.D.

### Additional information

- As a Superior Court Judge in Department 16, Judge Evans presides over a variety of civil and criminal cases, applying his extensive trial experience and commitment to equitable justice.
- His work reflects both legal expertise and a dedication to community service, particularly in areas of juvenile justice and systemic reform.
- Prior to his judicial appointment, he spent 15 years as a trial lawyer for the Department of Assigned Counsel, gaining extensive courtroom experience.
- He is a lifelong resident of Tacoma and Pierce County, reflecting deep local ties.
- For the last three years before his appointment, he held the role of supervisor of the Juvenile Delinquency Unit
- overseeing cases involving youth offenders.
- focusing on identifying and addressing disparities within the legal system.
- Additionally, he has contributed to diversity and inclusion efforts as a member of the Pierce County Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategic Oversight Committee.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7133c6bd26c80972b86e0d31) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.